As women continue to strive throughout their careers, the lack of equal pay between men and women continues to be an ongoing issue.
On average, women earn 82 cents for every dollar a man earns. That pay disparity increases for women who are Black, Asian-American, Latina, mothers and more. Equal Pay Day, which this year is on March 12, raises awareness about the gender gap. Established in 1996, the date symbolizes how far into the year women have to work to earn what men made in the previous year.
Despite the improvement throughout the years, progress will only come when wages are equal. Regardless of gender, race, ethnicity, sexuality and other discriminatory factors, every working person deserves equal pay.
How is Equal Pay Day Calculated?
Equal Pay Day considers women who work full-time, part-time and seasonal. The calculations are based on earnings data from workers who meet those three categories. Data comes directly from the Census Bureau. For 2024, the Census Bureau analysis contained earnings from 2022 and released that data in October 2023. Those findings are the most recent data available.
Is the Equal Pay Act Still in Effect?
The Equal Pay Act, formed in 1963, prohibits discrimination based on gender. Since its enactment, women have climbed the career ladder, becoming CEOs, presidents and executives at major companies. However, the disparity in pay remains. Implementing more policies, such as increasing minimum wage and wage transparency in job listings, can help close the gender pay gap.
Do All States Have the Act?
The act is a federal law that all states are required to abide by. As of 2022, however, only 42 states have enacted legislation to further support the 1963 act. In recent years, more states have enforced wage transparency laws that require job employers to disclose salary ranges to job candidates.